Post by foxjj on Nov 17, 2022 7:38:12 GMT
Virgil’s Story
It was a wet and cold night as - with hesitant steps - Virgil approached the old Church building. Unsure, he paused at the door. Upon entering he was greeted with a warm smile: “welcome friend, do come on in, the evening meal will be served soon." Looking around the sanctuary, Virgil noticed that the chairs used for the Sunday services had been moved in order to make room for tables, upon which meals would be served. A middle aged lady created a welcoming atmosphere as she played old familiar gospel songs on the piano. Memories of his youth came to mind of Sunday morning's sitting in pews with parents and siblings. The Preacher would stand in the pulpit speaking of “The Good News.” However, Virgil did not listen back then, wanting to live life his way; dreaming of places that he desired to go, and the things he wanted to see; believing everything would workout ok.
He spent many years traveling from town to town, constantly seeking work. However, he was unable to settle in any one place. The streets are now Virgil’s home where he is only one among many broken lives. Dose anyone notice him as he stands on the street corner looking for a handout? What went wrong? Is there anyone among the people passing by who care? Virgil found himself in the Church that evening because, word on the street informs those in need of where to go when they are hungry, or need a dry and warm place to sleep - where to find people who care.
Although he had passed the Church many times with no intention of ever entering, that changed this evening because he was cold and hungry. After the meal, a preacher quoted John three sixteen as he spoke of God’s love shown in Christ Jesus: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Once more this brought back memories for Virgil. How many times had he heard this verse quoted when he was younger? Back then it was just another one of the many Scripture verses that you hear around Church.
The preacher spoke to Virgils heart as he encouraged his listeners to turn to Jesus and experience Gods love. The message brought conviction of a sinful life. Conviction brought repentance, which in turn brought new hope. The lady who had been playing the piano during the meal, now lead in the singing of Amazing Grace. This brought tears to Virgils eyes as he now experienced the words for himself: "- I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see." After the singing, the preacher invited any who wished prayer or counceling, to come and speak with him. He then announced that the Church had a second chance program for anyone who desired to get off the streets and seek a new life. That night Virgil found forgiveness and new life, because he now truly believed - and accepted - what Jesus had done on his behalf.
Today, let us praise God for second chance's through Jesus.
John Joseph Fox.
It was a wet and cold night as - with hesitant steps - Virgil approached the old Church building. Unsure, he paused at the door. Upon entering he was greeted with a warm smile: “welcome friend, do come on in, the evening meal will be served soon." Looking around the sanctuary, Virgil noticed that the chairs used for the Sunday services had been moved in order to make room for tables, upon which meals would be served. A middle aged lady created a welcoming atmosphere as she played old familiar gospel songs on the piano. Memories of his youth came to mind of Sunday morning's sitting in pews with parents and siblings. The Preacher would stand in the pulpit speaking of “The Good News.” However, Virgil did not listen back then, wanting to live life his way; dreaming of places that he desired to go, and the things he wanted to see; believing everything would workout ok.
He spent many years traveling from town to town, constantly seeking work. However, he was unable to settle in any one place. The streets are now Virgil’s home where he is only one among many broken lives. Dose anyone notice him as he stands on the street corner looking for a handout? What went wrong? Is there anyone among the people passing by who care? Virgil found himself in the Church that evening because, word on the street informs those in need of where to go when they are hungry, or need a dry and warm place to sleep - where to find people who care.
Although he had passed the Church many times with no intention of ever entering, that changed this evening because he was cold and hungry. After the meal, a preacher quoted John three sixteen as he spoke of God’s love shown in Christ Jesus: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Once more this brought back memories for Virgil. How many times had he heard this verse quoted when he was younger? Back then it was just another one of the many Scripture verses that you hear around Church.
The preacher spoke to Virgils heart as he encouraged his listeners to turn to Jesus and experience Gods love. The message brought conviction of a sinful life. Conviction brought repentance, which in turn brought new hope. The lady who had been playing the piano during the meal, now lead in the singing of Amazing Grace. This brought tears to Virgils eyes as he now experienced the words for himself: "- I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see." After the singing, the preacher invited any who wished prayer or counceling, to come and speak with him. He then announced that the Church had a second chance program for anyone who desired to get off the streets and seek a new life. That night Virgil found forgiveness and new life, because he now truly believed - and accepted - what Jesus had done on his behalf.
Today, let us praise God for second chance's through Jesus.
John Joseph Fox.